In response to the rapid rise in COVID-19 infections due to the highly contagious omicron variant and reports of exorbitantly-priced at-home test kits, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer is encouraging residents to report instances of price gouging by calling (213)978-8070, or visiting lacityattorney.org/covid19.

“In the face of the largest onslaught of COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, Angelenos are working hard to follow public health guidance, including testing and isolating, to protect their loved ones, co-workers and community,” Feuer said. “Unfortunately, as happened at the beginning of the pandemic, some are seeking to profit from this emergency by jacking up the price of COVID-19 at-home test kits, making testing that much harder. Consumers should beware of high prices for these kits and report any suspected price gouging to my office. When we learn about possible violations, we’ll take action.”

The city attorney is also working closely with the Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs to prevent price gouging.

“It is unacceptable that during these difficult times, some are attempting to take advantage of the vulnerability and desperation of consumers,” DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal said. “DCBA encourages consumers to be vigilant, informed and to report these issues.”

Besides ripping off consumers, price gouging has another negative consequence, Feuer said.

Even if consumers don’t make a purchase, just seeing overly-inflated prices can raise concerns and fuel general panic about a scarcity of items tied to the health emergency.

Consumers can report price gouging that they see in stores or online by providing evidence of the price that is advertised and, if known, information about the previous lower price, even if they did not purchase the product.

Feuer’s warning came after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order, enforceable through March 31, that prohibits anyone from selling at-home test kits from increasing prices by greater than 10% of what they charged for the same kit on Dec. 1.

Additionally, the executive order prohibits anyone who did not sell at-home test kits as of Dec. 1 from charging consumers a price that is 50% greater than what the seller paid for the kit.

Violations of the executive order are misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months imprisonment.

Feuer encourages consumers to check that the test they want to purchase has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, which currently lists 311 tests. To verify antigen (rapid result) tests, visit bit.ly/3qnFCfx, and to check PCR tests, visit bit.ly/3qp2ETx.

Also, amid reports that Angelenos are encountering pop-up testing sites which may not be legitimate, and potentially could be committing identity theft or insurance fraud, Feuer urges people to search online for a list of sites authorized by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Other locations may be legitimate, but Feuer recommends searching online for reviews and consumer complaints before getting tested at those sites.

For information, visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.